Pages

12.21.2008

Iconoclasm Studies: Cinema Opens in Saudi

An amazing blow against iconoclasm has just been struck in Saudi Arabia - a cinema was temporarily opened in Jeddah for nine days during Eid under the patronage of HH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and approved by the provincial governor, HH Prince Khalid al-Faisal. The film shown, "Manahi" was a comedy.

For those of us watching The Wizard of Oz for the thousandth time with our families over the holidays, this might not seem like a big deal. But it is. It was not that long ago that there were discussions about whether or not photographs of people should be allowed - or banned as icons. And dolls, including Barbie, are still banned.

Men and women were segregated, but this was still a controversial event in Saudi, and no-one is sure when or if it will be repeated. Some are worried where it might lead, and think movies are the start of the road to Sodom and Gomorrah ...
Saudi religious police says some movies possibly OK - Zawya

Subscribe To PhDiva

Follow by Email

I use affiliate links when I link to Amazon through Amazon Associates but nothing else. I only recommend books & products I love on the blog, but I sometimes Tweet links to free or bargain Kindle books I have not read but which are on offer.